The fruits of a grant received by Mount St. Mary’s University’s Division of Continuing Studies (DCS) in the fall of 2023 were borne in September when DCS’s Workforce Scholars Program graduated its first cohort of seven certified peer recovery specialist (CPRS) candidates. The second cohort begins classes in early November.
The Mount’s CPRS program is a part of the DCS Workforce Scholars Program, developed thanks to a generous $50,000 grant presented to the Mount last October by the Truist Foundation. DCS created the Workforce Scholars Program to provide training in high-demand, mental health-related fields to unemployed or underemployed individuals, offering flexible and low-cost career pathways. Besides CPRS certification, a registered behavior technician course is being piloted.
Certified peer recovery specialists work with those suffering from substance use disorders or other addiction-related illnesses, assisting in their recovery as advocates and sources of emotional and practical support. Specialists are recovered addicts themselves, able to offer empathy and understanding to their clients.
“I know firsthand the value of one addict being able to help another… [and] the fear someone can have to work with someone that has not gone through the struggle of addiction. Being able to help and advocate for people who do not know their options or are too afraid to speak up is important to me,” shared Kimberly Gaines, who graduated from the Mount’s program in September.
Adjunct Professor of Human Services David Brooks designed the Mount’s CPRS Training Course for Certification. Brooks teaches alongside Associate Professor and Director of Human Services Tim Wolfe, Ph.D. As a state-approved provider of CPRS coursework, the Mount offers students 46 hours of classroom training in ethics, wellness, mentoring and advocacy. In addition, they need 500 hours of supervised field experience (paid and/or volunteer), as well as other requirements necessary for certification (e.g., at least two years of documented recovery from a behavioral and/or mental health condition).
“The Mount’s CPRS program is a wonderful example of how our university mission and identity can positively influence the Frederick County community as well as greater Maryland. We provide people in recovery with state-of-the-art training that empowers them to inspire, support and guide others who are starting their recovery journeys. Peer recovery is an evidence-based practice that increases the likelihood of successful outcomes,” Wolfe said.
Maryland is one of a rapidly growing number of states that see the value Gaines speaks of and have set state-level regulations for the certification of CPRS.
“Peer support is a growing field and there are so many opportunities out there for people who become certified,” noted Gaines. “I hope this program grows as [Brooks and Wolfe] continue to pour their heart into teaching. I appreciate every hour spent listening and learning from them and I will continue to use what I was taught to help make a difference where I can. Thank you, Mount St. Mary’s University for believing in these two men and allowing them to create a program that makes a difference.”